Published at 3rd of November 2024 9:29 am

Chapter 168 The Shadows of the Third: A Hokage's Legacy, 1: The Oath of a Hokage

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The village of Konohagakure rested under a shroud of gentle twilight as Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the edge of the Hokage's office, overlooking the sprawling rooftops and bustling streets below. Despite his years and the weight of his title, the Third Hokage’s gaze held a spark of unwavering determination. Today, that spark was both dimmed and intensified by a grave reality: an unknown threat had been stirring at the borders of the Land of Fire, one that demanded immediate attention.

Hiruzen, known by many as the "Professor" for his mastery of ninjutsu, bore not only the power and wisdom of a Hokage but also the burden of his village's safety. As Hokage, he was the pillar upon which Konoha stood, and he carried the responsibility with an unshakeable resolve. But the recent signs were troubling. In recent months, reports of strange disappearances and rogue shinobi attacks in border towns had reached his ears. The unrest had left the village anxious and the council demanding answers.

"Lord Hokage," called out a soft voice behind him.

Hiruzen turned to see Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, two of his trusted advisors. Both had served alongside him for years, sharing his dedication to protecting Konoha.

"Hiruzen, the council grows restless," Koharu began, her voice laced with concern. "The reports from the Anbu indicate a new kind of threat. It’s not just rogue shinobi; these disappearances have a calculated, almost orchestrated nature. It doesn’t look like ordinary crime."

Hiruzen's brows knitted together, his mind already racing through the possible suspects. He thought of rival villages, of potential spies, but nothing fit perfectly. This felt… different. Almost as if a shadow had crept into the very heart of their peaceful home, a shadow he had failed to notice until now.

"I understand the council's concerns, but I will not allow panic to rule our actions," Hiruzen replied, his voice firm but thoughtful. "We will investigate these disappearances without drawing unnecessary attention. If an enemy seeks to test Konoha, they must not see our fear."

Homura nodded, his face showing a trace of relief. "We’ve sent teams to the borders, but we need someone with the strength and insight to lead them. The Anbu suggest sending one of our elite jonin."

Hiruzen pondered the thought. This wasn’t a time for an ordinary mission, and he needed someone who embodied not only strength but also the loyalty and discretion Konoha demanded. There was only one person who came to mind.

"Summon Jiraiya," he ordered, his eyes steeling with purpose. "He has the skill and resourcefulness needed for this mission."

Homura and Koharu exchanged glances. Though Jiraiya was one of Hiruzen’s most promising students, he was also known for his wild, unpredictable nature. Nonetheless, both advisors trusted Hiruzen’s judgment, and they bowed in acknowledgment of his decision.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Koharu replied, and with a subtle bow, the two advisors left the room, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts.

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Hours later, Jiraiya entered the Hokage's office, his usually playful expression subdued in the presence of his teacher. Hiruzen stood behind his desk, arms crossed as he awaited the arrival of his pupil. The Third Hokage felt a pang of pride mixed with worry as he looked at Jiraiya; the boy had grown into a formidable shinobi, yet still possessed the heart of a free spirit.

"You summoned me, Lord Hokage?" Jiraiya asked, his tone respectful, though a mischievous glint still danced in his eyes.

Hiruzen nodded. "Yes, Jiraiya. I have a mission of great importance for you. You are to investigate the recent disturbances along the borders of the Land of Fire. It is likely that rogue shinobi are behind the attacks, but we cannot afford to take any risks. You are to observe, report, and if necessary, eliminate any threats. Discretion is vital."

Jiraiya's expression sobered, his playful demeanor giving way to a sense of seriousness rarely seen. "Understood, Lord Hokage. I’ll do whatever it takes."

Hiruzen’s gaze softened, and he placed a hand on Jiraiya’s shoulder. "Jiraiya, this mission is not just about defending Konoha’s borders. It’s about safeguarding our home and ensuring the peace we've worked so hard to establish. This village relies on all of us. Trust your instincts, but be careful. We don’t know who or what we’re dealing with yet."

Jiraiya nodded, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. "I won’t let you down, sensei."

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As Jiraiya departed, Hiruzen felt a flicker of pride mixed with a weighty unease. Jiraiya was one of his finest students, yet the unknown threat gnawed at his mind. For years, he had shouldered the mantle of Hokage, fending off countless enemies, quelling rebellions, and making decisions that weighed heavily on his conscience. But as he grew older, the shadows seemed to grow deeper, their roots buried beneath the village he had sworn to protect.

The next morning, Hiruzen walked through the streets of Konoha, seeking the comfort of familiar faces. The marketplace bustled with activity as merchants called out to passersby, children laughed and played, and shinobi mingled among the crowd, their faces full of purpose and hope. This was why he fought, why he took on the mantle of Hokage. To protect this life, this village that was more than just a collection of buildings—it was a family, a community he would die to protect.

Yet, as he wandered, a sense of foreboding gnawed at him. Had he made the right choice by sending Jiraiya alone? The Anbu were competent, yes, but the scope of this threat felt different, more insidious. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was a precursor to something darker, a shadow waiting to engulf them all.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke him out of his thoughts. "Lord Hokage! Is everything all right?"

Hiruzen turned to see Iruka Umino, a young chunin who worked as an academy instructor. His genuine concern touched Hiruzen, and he offered the younger shinobi a gentle smile.

"Yes, Iruka. Just lost in thought," Hiruzen replied, patting Iruka’s shoulder reassuringly. "Stay diligent, Iruka. The future of this village lies in the hands of dedicated young shinobi like you."

Iruka bowed respectfully, and Hiruzen continued his walk, his mind once again drifting back to the shadows encircling Konoha.

As dusk fell and the village lights flickered to life, Hiruzen found himself back in his office, gazing at the portraits of past Hokage. He had given his life to this village, poured his heart and soul into protecting it. But now, as the days wore on and the whispers of danger grew louder, he feared that even he would not be enough to stave off the encroaching darkness.

A sudden knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. An Anbu appeared, bowing low. "Lord Hokage, urgent news from the border. Jiraiya has sent a message—it seems he has encountered something… unusual."

Hiruzen’s pulse quickened. "Prepare a briefing at once. I want a full report on what Jiraiya has uncovered."

The Anbu nodded and vanished, leaving Hiruzen to wrestle with the weight of what lay ahead. Unknown forces loomed beyond Konoha’s borders, and he could only hope that he had the strength and resolve to protect his people once more.

Little did he know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would test not only his strength as a Hokage, but his very legacy as a protector of Konoha.

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